BRANDRUSSO - Key Persons
Abby came on board with the RUSSO team as a marketing intern in February 2022 and was promoted to Social Media Assistant in May of 2022.
She is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing at Louisiana State University and plans to graduate in May of 2023. Abby is hard-working, creative, and dedicated to the team. Outside of work, Abby is often seen traveling and enjoying the outdoors.
Hannah was born and raised in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, just a town away from Lafayette, which she now considers her home.
Hannah has always identified as an artist of many mediums, whether it be throwing pottery, painting, illustration, or exploring new hobbies. This appreciation for all forms of art has culminated in her unwavering passion for Graphic Design. Since 2019, she has been studying at UL Lafayette to obtain her bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, and she is eager to bring her artistic skills and passion for design to brandRUSSO. Alongside all types of art, Hannah enjoys spending time with friends, reading a good book, or indulging in cringy reality tv shows.
Jaci Russo, P.C.M., is the co-founder and CEO of brandRUSSO, a strategic branding agency located in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a Brand Strategist, Jaci has more than 25 years of experience working with clients across multiple categories and disciplines.
Jaci began her career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles, California, and then for media mogul Barry Diller, developing brands such as the Home Shopping Network, Ticketmaster, USA Network, and Savoy Pictures.
Jaci returned to her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, where she co-founded brandRUSSO in 2001.
Jaci is a published author and sought-after speaker on all things branding, having taught branding and marketing skills across the country. To further fulfill her passion for helping businesses build successful brands, Jaci founded Brand State U - an affordable online learning platform for small businesses and do-it-yourself marketers. She is also a founder of the University of Louisiana's NIL management program called ULTRA.
She hosts Brand Builder Workshops and contributes to brandRUSSO's Razor Branding blog and podcast to help companies grow and compete in today's ever-changing marketplace. She is a Professional Certified Marketer (P.C.M.) through the American Marketing Association and a graduate of Leadership Louisiana, and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. In addition, Jaci serves as a Brand consultant through the Edward Lowe Foundation and was inducted into the Acadiana Business Hall of Fame. Jaci is the proud mother of 4, dedicating much of her free time to helping civic organizations and nonprofits.
After receiving his B.A. in communications from Millsaps College, and an M.B.A. from the Else School of Management, Jackson worked at a Nashville branding agency where he helped to overhaul the firm's brand strategy, manage content development, and secure PR opportunities for clients. While at Millsaps College, Jackson was a member of the Millsaps Majors Baseball team, where he received Academic All-Conference honors.
Following his time in Nashville, Jackson returned to his hometown of Lafayette, LA to serve as Brand Coordinator at RUSSO, where he is responsible for helping manage client marketing efforts. In his role, Jackson works closely with RUSSO's brand developers and creative team to develop campaign strategies and branded content across all media channels.
Kennedy joined the RUSSO team in 2021 as an intern and is now a part of our Razor Branding Team as a Brand Planner.
Kennedy attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received her bachelor's degree in business management. She has always had an interest in marketing, branding, and making a connection with the audience. With her strong organizational skills, great attention to detail, and excellent time management she provides elaborate research for each client's brand.
Kennedy was born and raised in Lafayette but plans to travel and experience new places. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching crime documentaries, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Public Relations Coordinator
Kristina Charles, MS is a two-timed graduate from Loyola University New Orleans with a BA in Mass Communications with a concentration in Strategic Communications and Journalism; and a Master of Science in Marketing and Communications. Since then, she has returned back to school to pursue a Doctoral degree in Business Administration, Innovation and Strategy.
With over seven years of marketing and PR experience, she's worked in various industry sectors such as the fashion industry in NYC, television and radio, the service industry, and higher education. As former Editor-in-Chief and magazine correspondent, she loves freelance writing and attending industry events in her free time.
Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Lily joined the Russo team as a Public Relations Intern in May 2023 and was promoted to PR Coordinator in August 2023.
She is currently studying Strategic Communications - Public Relations at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is set to graduate in December 2023. Lily has always had an interest in public relations and communications and quickly excelled in her position as a PR Intern, making her a perfect fit for Russo's PR team.
In her free time, Lily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and reading. She's also always looking for a reason to enjoy her favorite hobby - shopping.
Job Titles:
- Primary Content Developer
- Video Editor
Maggie is a seasoned video editor and content creator, with experience in developing both short and long form video for a wide variety of media channels.
Her journey with RUSSO began as the primary content developer for Brand State U, an affordable online learning platform launched by RUSSO's CEO for small businesses and do-it-yourself marketers. As an avid Youtuber, Maggie continues to shoot and develop her own series of travel vlogs, documenting the world through her experiences. Maggie is currently pursuing a degree in Moving Image Arts from the University of Louisiana.
Job Titles:
- Brand Developer
- VP of Client Success
Maria Hanes, a mother of two teenagers and native of Breaux Bridge, La, brings 19 years of professional experience to the brandRUSSO team.
She is a proud graduate and supporter of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned her BA in Interpersonal and Public Communications. Attention to detail and friendly customer service are among her top priorities. She spends her free time enjoying her back patio, perfecting her charcuterie board making skills, and entertaining her puppy, Gumbo.
Job Titles:
- Chief Creative Officer
- Adjunct Professor at the University of Louisiana
- Member of the American Advertising Federation
Michael Russo has over 20 years of creative experience with a vast array of clients from coast to coast.
As an award-winning Art Director, Copywriter and Designer, Michael has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation, the Silver Microphone Awards, the AIGA, the PIAS, the W3 Interactive Awards, the Horizon Interactive Awards and is a Silver TELLY winner.
Michael has been a member of the American Advertising Federation, the AIGA, a voting member of the Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences (Grammy) and is currently a Silver Council member and judge of the International TELLY Awards.
After receiving his BFA from the University of Louisiana, Michael worked as a Graphic Designer and Copywriter in Seattle, WA. Upon returning to his hometown of Lafayette, LA, Michael served as Art Director for several agencies, overseeing both regional and national accounts, before co-founding RUSSO.
Michael has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Louisiana, teaching classes in advertising design, as well as serving on the boards of the Acadiana School of the Arts and the Lafayette Little League.
Molly Daigle joined the RUSSO team in early 2018 as a Brand Developer and brings with her skills obtained from a variety of industries over the years.
She has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has spent time as a teacher, in sales and marketing, and customer relations.
Molly is active in her church but dedicates most of her free time to hanging with her husband and seven children.
Morgan joined the RUSSO team as a Brand Planner in 2021. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Communication in February of 2019 at Louisiana Tech, and her Master of Science in Communication in Spring 2021 at ULL. Morgan's background in journalism and PR contributes to her research skills and strong work ethic. Her attention to detail also comes in handy when helping to prepare final products for clients.
Combining her passions for travel and music, she can usually be found road tripping across the country for music concerts. She also enjoys reading, taking strolls through her neighborhood, and spending time with family and friends. Originally from the small town of Echo, LA, Morgan currently resides in Youngsville with her two cats, Oliver Bean and Big Boy.
Job Titles:
- Copywriter
- Member of the Public Relations Society of America
Ted Daigle has 15 years of experience as a writer and Public Relations specialist in private industry and the U.S. military. He has plied his trade across three continents, working with business, civic, and government leaders around the globe.
Ted is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Northwest Louisiana Public Relations Association. He holds a bachelor's in Social Studies Education and a master's in Administration and Supervision from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Job Titles:
- Digital Content Developer
Tim Dupre began at RUSSO in Spring 2020 as a Creative Intern and was promoted to Graphic Designer and Web Developer upon graduation. Since then, Tim's role has evolved to that of a Digital Content Developer; blending Web Development, Graphic Design, CRM and SEO Management.
Tim's eye for design and function make him a great asset to RUSSO in creating collateral and top-notch websites. He is a collaborator, diligent worker, and one of the kindest workers in the bunch.
Tim currently lives in Youngsville with his wife and son. When he's not working with clients, you bet he's spending time with family, playing an instrument (bass, guitar, AND drums!), spending time in the great outdoors, and creating art.